“Can cancer cause short-term memory loss?”
My father is suffering from prostate cancer and his treatment has started. He is actually coping pretty well, but however he's become slow in processing information and is also unable to remember things. Could it be a side effect of the cancer? Or is it the chemotherapy instead? I've heard of chemo brain, can this lead to forgetfulness?
6 Answers
This can occur secondary to chemo, cancer or even age. As long as your doctor has ruled out early dementia then these are normal or expected reactions in a patient with cancer undergoing chemo. Everyone experiences different side effects and to different degrees so talk to your doctor about what your dad is going through. Keep his mind and body active as much as possible. Our brain needs exercise as much as our bodies, especially when we are facing a disease and treatment. Eat right, do crossword puzzles, Soduku, memory games and keep active. Some supplements may help as well but nothing replaces good old fashion human interaction and conversation. He should get better after treatment as long as dementia is ruled out. Good luck
Chemotherapy and especially hormonal therapies are often linked to a decline in cognitive function, amongst many other side effects. The longer the duration of the insulting drug, the worse it becomes. He needs to inform his oncologist. Prevagen can help, as can creatine 750mg twice daily.
Cancer can be associated with "Cancer-Related Fatigue," which includes cognitive changes. This is worsened by chemotherapy and is then called "chemo-brain." There is ongoing research as to whether these problems are caused by viruses, because we have medications to fight viral infection. Additionally, a B12 deficiency is common in cancer patients and can surprisingly be a difficult diagnosis to make. The serum B12 level is unreliable and the physician has to test the levels of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, check the balance (Romberg sign) and examine the blood smear.
Cancers, prostate itself, is a rare cause. The treatment, the support meds, steroids, narcotics, changes in sleep pattern, stress, depression, are multi-factorial, even severe nutrition deficiency, if the memory loss is functionally important, if he wants to address it. Go back to basics before working down this list. General exam, general labs, CMP, CT, or mRI brain, then go down the list of suspects. In an elimination substitution trial, abandon/change a working anti-tumor agent as a last resort. Be clear on the consequences of abandoning the working agent. The list of standard prostate drugs has grown.
Unfortunately chemo can make your ability to multitask much harder.
The memory problems are likely related to the chemotherapy.
